Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s mountain wilderness
Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most iconic destinations. Located in the northwest of the country, the park is part of the Virunga Mountains, a dramatic volcanic landscape shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This is the home of Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas, but the park offers more than one experience. Visitors come for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hikes, forest walks, cultural visits, and the cool mountain atmosphere around Musanze.
For many travellers, Volcanoes National Park is the emotional highlight of Rwanda. The journey from Kigali is scenic, the landscape feels completely different, and the trekking experience is carefully guided by professional park rangers.
2 Days Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
For travellers who want more than a quick day trip, Izuba Tours offers a 2 Days Gorillas & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari in Volcanoes National Park.
This itinerary combines two of Rwanda’s best primate experiences: mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. You travel from Kigali to Musanze, stay close to the park, and start the trekking day without rushing.
The gorilla trek is the main highlight: a guided forest experience with one hour spent near a mountain gorilla family. The golden monkey trek adds a lighter, active experience in the bamboo forest, known for its playful movement and beautiful mountain setting.
Practical Information
Kigali is easy to move around with a private driver-guide. Roads are good, the city is safe by regional standards, and most hotels, restaurants and main attractions are within comfortable driving distance.
Izuba Tours can help with airport pickup, city tours, restaurant advice, SIM card guidance, local payments and planning your onward route through Rwanda.
Visas & Entry
Visa on arrival / online
Rwanda offers visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and land borders, and you can also apply online. Migration Rwanda+1
Passport validity: plan for at least 6 months validity. Migration Rwanda
Fees: visa fees should not exceed USD 50 (single entry) or USD 70 (multiple entry). Migration Rwanda
EAC travellers
EAC travellers
Citizens of East African Community member states can receive an entry pass free of charge (commonly up to six months). Visit Rwanda+1
Tip: Entry rules can change. We’ll confirm the best option for your nationality before you travel and share the official steps. Migration Rwanda+1
Health & Fitness
Yellow fever
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you’re arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (or an active outbreak). rwandair.com+1
Travellers arriving from non-endemic countries generally do not need the certificate. rbc.gov.rw+1
General travel health
Travel with comprehensive insurance, pack any personal medication, and ask your clinic about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention for your itinerary. (We can advise based on where you’re going in Rwanda, altitude, and season.)
Safety
Rwanda is generally considered safe and well organised, with relatively low crime — but common sense still applies. Travel.gc.ca+2Travel+2
Smart habits
Keep valuables out of sight, especially in busy areas; secure passports and phones. Travel.gc.ca+1
At night: use trusted transport, avoid unlit streets, and keep car doors locked. Travel.gc.ca+1
We’ll brief you on neighbourhoods, driving times, and practical do’s/don’ts for each stop.
Getting Around
In Kigali
Public transport is mainly shared minibuses; city buses use the Tap&Go smart card system. Visit Rwanda
For trips and national parks
For comfort, timing, and flexibility, most visitors use a private vehicle + driver-guide (especially for early gorilla trekking starts and longer routes).
Money & Payments
Currency
The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). US dollars are widely accepted, but many local services are paid in RWF cash. Visit Rwanda
Cards & cash
Cards are common in larger hotels and many restaurants in Kigali, but keep some cash for smaller shops, tips, and rural stops.
Mobile money
Mobile money is widely used locally; visitors usually rely on card + cash, and we can advise if you want a local SIM + wallet setup.
Language & Connectivity
Languages
Kinyarwanda is the national language; English and French are widely used in tourism.
SIMs & data
Main networks are MTN and Airtel. SIM cards are easy to arrange in Kigali, and coverage is strong in most populated areas. Visit Rwanda+1
Wi-Fi
Most hotels and many cafés offer Wi-Fi (speed varies outside Kigali).